2323 Mystic Falls, Virginia
For the past few years, the supernatural community lived in relative peace with the humans. The Originals took what had worked in New Orleans and created a Council made up of themselves, vampires, wolves, witches and humans. With everyone's cooperation, and hard work, Mystic Falls had risen from the ashes of war and was a safe haven for supernaturals and humans alike.
And now, the last of the debris was cleared away, the final street was freshly paved, and Main Street was officially open for business. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held hours before and the residents of Mystic Falls were getting ready for another time-honored tradition: a festival, followed by a ball.
The ball is an extravagant affair, the likes of which Mystic Falls has never seen. The long winding driveway leading to the Mikaelson Mansion is lit with twinkling lights and the mansion itself is ablaze with lights and festivity. They've spared no expense for this - the first ball Mystic Falls has seen in almost a hundred years.
Caroline waits patiently to be announced - the Mikaelsons have decided to go old school and have each guest announced as they arrived.
"Miss Caroline Forbes."
She pauses for a moment at the entrance and holds her composure elegantly as those who know her, know of her, know of her importance to the Original Hybrid, gaze upon her. It is times like these that she feels every inch the goddess he claims she is. She is confident, mature, composed.
Her smile is just for him as he comes to her.
His eyes are locked on hers and heaven help anyone who gets in his way. He pauses before her.
"Hello, Caroline."
"Hello, Klaus."
Klaus gives the signal to the band and holds his hand out. When Caroline places her hand in his, his heart soars. He leads her to the dance floor.
"About bloody time," Rebekah muttered to her partner, Stefan Salvator.
Klaus had refused to allow the dancing to begin until he could open the ball with his first dance with Caroline.
As the music begins, he holds her in his arms, feeling more content in this moment than any other moment. His gaze falls over her, taking her all in: her golden hair, every strand in place, her flawless skin and guileless eyes, her rosebud lips, the brightness of her smile.
He is surprised to find that she is gazing at him too - differently than ever before. She's taking him all in as well.
They say nothing as they dance closely together - they merely let their eyes speak.
She is just a girl. Still slightly insecure, but full of love and hope.
Please don't break my heart.
He is the Original Hybrid; he is afraid of nothing - except this.
Please don't leave me again.
"Will you stay?" he whispers against her ear.
She smiles softly into his eyes, knowing it cost him his pride for even asking.
"Always," she whispered, and gently pressed her lips to his.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this series! My personal opinion is that Caroline doesn't fit in NOLA at the moment (and I'm not sure I'd want her to take part in that hot mess), but I firmly believe that given time (a few centuries to open her eyes and for him to mellow), Klaus & Caroline could be together - happy and at peace.